As it turns out, it's quite possible.
Ernst Leitz founded the Leitz company in Wetzlar, Germany, in 1859. Focusing on the production of cameras and related accessories, the brand changed its name to Leica in 1986. The name, derived from the words LEItz and CAmera, is remembered as one of the pioneers of the "luxury" camera industry. Aside from Leica's camera adventure and contributions to photography, its quiet but profound beginning and development in the watch world also caught our attention.
The foundations of Leica's entry into modern watchmaking were laid in 2012. Leica's chairman of the board, Dr. After Andreas Kaufmann's watch production idea was shared and ideas were exchanged with brands such as Hanhart, ChronoSwiss, and even A. Lange & Söhne, German industrial designer Achim Heine was given the design task. The aim was to create a uniquely designed watch, adorned with technical and visual details exclusive to Leica. For the movement, they sat down with the German component and movement manufacturer Lehman Schramberg. Of course, the first Leica watch would not be an ordinary 3-hand model.
Leica L1 and L2 models were introduced in 2018. The watches have a stainless-steel case measuring 41mm x 14mm and are equipped with sapphire crystals both sides and are water resistant up to 50 meters. The manual winding calibers, with 25 jewels and 4Hz (28.800vph) oscillation frequency, with a power reserve of 60 hours, had some details specific to Leica. The pusher located at the 2nd position of the watch was used for date setting. Instead of pulling the crown to set the time, you push it like a button. In this way, it was possible to switch between winding the watch and adjusting the time functions. When the setting feature was activated, the second hand of the watch automatically moved to the zero position. On the dial, there was a power reserve window at the 8:30 position, and an indicator at the 3 o'clock position, near the center of the dial, indicating the position of the crown. This window would turn red when the watch crown was performing the setting function. Unlike the L1 model, the L2 model had a rotatable GMT bezel placed on the inside and a day-night indicator on the dial.
An L3 model with an alarm feature was also heralded for later, but no statement was made about the project.
Later, the names of the L1 and L2 models changed to ZM1 and ZM2. The name ZM came from the word Zeitmesser, meaning time-measuring device. Now a new model, ZM11, has been added to the collection.
The watch is offered to watch lovers with an integrated case and strap/bracelet design. Measuring 41mm x 13mm, the case has stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium material options. The water resistance values of the models equipped with sapphire crystals are stated as 100 meters. Automatic calibers (LA-3001), developed jointly with Chronode, a manufacturer of movements and high-precision parts, offer 60 hours of power reserve.
The models can be purchased with double-sided folding stainless steel/titanium bracelets or rubber or fabric strap options. The ZM11 series will be sold in Leica boutiques worldwide from November 2023. Prices vary between 6800€ and 8150€.
